A guide to… working in Essex

​If you’re keen to progress your NHS career, then you may be interested to learn about the wide-ranging healthcare job opportunities available in Essex. Whilst you may have preconceptions of the county thanks to TV shows such as The Only Way is Essex or Gavin & Stacey, you’ll be surprised to learn that it has much more to offer. Not only are there some beautiful areas to live in, but you can benefit from a special blend of metropolitan and rural life.

In the latest of our regional guides, we share our insights into why Essex is a great choice for you to progress your career in a variety of professions such as speech and language therapy, physiotherapy or even dietetics.

Why choose Essex?

Being located upon the coastline as well as having close proximity to London (many areas are accessible on the tube line) makes it an ideal choice for those keen to progress their healthcare careers.

With more than 1.8million residents, there is a reason why Essex is ideally suited for both families and individuals. Large towns and cities such as Chelmsford, Bishops Stortford, Southend and Romford mean that you can enjoy urban lifestyles with easy commutes. Meanwhile, market towns such as Colchester and Saffron Walden mean that you can enjoy a slower pace of life.

If you’re more interested in rural living, then there are many locations along the coast which offer a beautiful mix of farmland and countryside with estuaries and beaches.

What is the average rent?

Rent prices will vary depending on which part of Essex you choose to live in. Locations closer to London will charge a higher premium, but it’s still considered a much more affordable option than living in the capital itself.

For example; a two-bedroom apartment in Chelmsford city centre can cost £950 per month, whilst further out in Colchester you can expect to pay approx. £800 for a three-bedroom terraced house.

Is it accessible for public transport?

Essex has great public transport links, something which is vital if you’re working various shifts within the NHS. As well as having a comprehensive bus network, locations such as Buckhurst Hill, Epping, Chigwell and Loughton are accessible on the London tube network.

It is also home to Stansted airport, one of the UK’s busiest airports which fly to more than 200 destinations throughout Europe and the Middle East. If you’ve relocated to the UK to work in an NHS nursing job, then Essex may be an ideal destination as you can easily fly home to visit family and friends. It’s also a great choice for those who wish to explore Europe via city breaks or summer holidays.

What is the culture like?

Essex is currently undertaking a cultural renaissance. Moving away from the stereotypical “Essex girl” image, much is being made of the wide range of cultural activities available throughout the county.

For example, if you’re keen to spend time at a traditional English seaside, you may enjoy the beaches at Southend-on-Sea or Clacton. History buffs may enjoy a wander around the stately home, Audley End House or Hedingham Castle. You may also be interested to learn that Colchester claims to be the oldest recorded town in England.

Thanks to the accessibility of countryside and farmland, Essex has ample opportunities to go horse riding or ramble. It’s a perfect choice for those who love to walk their dogs or get their children into the fresh air.

For those who are looking for more of a livelier lifestyle, there are plenty of restaurants and bars for you to explore throughout the county.

What jobs are available in Essex?

We have great links with NHS Trusts and local authorities throughout Essex, which means that we can bring more job opportunities than ever before. We currently have a wide variety of occupational therapy jobs, NHS nursing jobs, speech and language therapist jobs and dietitian jobs available amongst many others.

If you’d like to learn more about the wide range of healthcare jobs that we have available throughout Essex, then simply upload your CV.